Luxury Machu Picchu & Galapagos Cruise – La Pinta

Luxury 5* Marriott Hotel Quito

The gateway to the Galapagos Islands and Andean mountains. Located in the heart of the city, this hotel in Quito, Ecuador features an amazing atrium lobby where you can enjoy a martini or espresso while enjoying the view and planning your adventure.

Amenities include spacious guest rooms and suites with magnificent views, high-speed Internet access, in-room safe and luxurious bedding. On-site restaurants offer innovative Ecuadorian and international cuisine. Tann in the sun in our tropical gardens or take a dip in our resort-style pool. Stay fit in our fitness center and rejuvenate with a body treatment or massage.

Whether it’s a once-in-a-lifetime vacation or business trip, you’ll find luxurious accommodations at the JW Marriott Hotel Quito, Ecuador. One of the most luxurious Quito hotels.

Superior Room

• Maximum Occupancy: 4
• 1 King or 2 Double
• Featherbed, and Duvet
• Air-conditioned
• This room is non-smoking
• Living/sitting area
• Windows, soundproof
• Evening turndown service
• Room service, 24-Hour
• Bottled water, complimentary
• Coffee maker / tea service
• Instant hot water
• Mini-bar
• Mini-refrigerator
• International cable/satellite
• Wi-Fi high-speed Internet access

Colonial Quito City Tour and Middle of the World Monument

• Visit the Independence Square flanked by the Presidential, the Archbishop’s palaces and, the Metropolitan Cathedral.
• Walk along the so called street of the seven crosses and pass by the Jesuit temple of La Compañía de Jesús, perhaps the most important monument of the baroque art, continue to the plaza of San Francisco. From there we head approximately 11 miles (18 Km.) north of downtown Quito, we visit “Mitad del Mundo” (Middle of the World) and the Equator Monument situated at 0º0’0” latitude.
• We also visit the Intiñan Solar Museum, where you’ll find scientific and experimental aspects of being right at the Equator.

La Pinta Description – 48 Passengers

La Pinta boasts among the largest cabins of any Galápagos vessel with floor-to-ceiling windows in all cabins. Its social areas have almost permanent visual contact with the islands through panoramic windows, while its outside deck areas are also wonderful havens for observation and relaxation. La Pinta is considered an ideal yacht for families travelling together, with many connecting cabins.

Expedition Features:

• Snorkeling equipment: masks, snorkels, flotation vests.
• 2mm “shorty” wet suits rental
• Glass-bottom boat
• Sea Kayaks
• Natural History lectures & briefings

She’s the newest yacht in the fleet of three, accommodating 48 guests, with ample social areas, an observation deck towards the bow, wrap-around windows, Jacuzzi, cardio-gym, kayaks, glass-bottom boat, sun deck, sun loungers… ideal for travelers looking for a sophisticated, upscale experience of the islands.

Her exciting itineraries promise a complete immersion in this unique environment, with expert naturalist guides enriching wildlife encounters like few others on the planet.

Faultless service, delicious cuisine and stylish design complement the experience on the islands. Our staff embraces a spirit of adventure, while ensuring safety at all times.

Wherever we sail, whatever we do, all the crew aboard La Pinta will do our utmost to ensure your Galápagos experience is truly, deeply moving and memorable.

Other services

• Central air conditioning with individual controls in each cabin.
• In-room safe deposit box
• Telephone with direct international dialing
• Coffee station (coffee, tea and water 24-hours-a-day)
• Multi-channel sound system for closed circuit music and connection for personal iPods, MP3, MP4
• Briefings and Lectures
• Boutique
• Satellite Internet connection and wireless in designated areas

Wellness

• Fitness room
• Hot Tub
• A Medical Officer is permanently on board

La Pinta Cabins

• Double Room
• Triple Room w/ sofa bed

Cruise Itinerary – 5 days / 4 nights

Northern Galápagos – Monday to Friday

Our itinerary together begins on Santa Cruz Island, the most populous of all the archipelago, where we meet giant tortoises in the wild and then venture to Eden Islet. From there, we hop over the lovely crescent bay of Chinese Hat. On Wednesday, one of the icon sites of the archipelago awaits: Bartolomé Island, with its wooden walkway up to a panoramic viewpoint, golden sandy beach and great snorkeling opportunities. Close-by, Sullivan Bay, gives us a great introduction to the volcanic origins of the Islands. We end with an exciting visit to the sunken caldera of Genovesa, far up in the east of the archipelago, a privileged place to visit amid thousands of marine birds.

All the crew aboard La Pinta will do our utmost to ensure your Galápagos experience is truly, deeply moving and memorable.

Monday – Day 1 of the Galapagos Cruise – Baltra Airport

Following our morning arrival at Baltra Airport, we transfer to the Itabaca Channel, taking a small ferry across the Channel to the north shore of Santa Cruz Island. We board our bus to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island, where we’ll learn about the unique montane ecosystems and biodiversity. Lunch is served at a local restaurant.

Note: please dress with comfortable shoes and clothes, bring a small backpack with any medicine you might be taken, sunblock, insect repellent and anything you need during the excursion as you will go onboard Yacht La Pinta and the end of the day.

Highlands (Santa Cruz Island)

After lunch, we travel by bus to El Chato Reserve, one of the best places in the archipelago to see giant tortoises in their natural habitat. The tortoises are easy to spot, lumbering around, eating grass and leaves and wallowing in the small pools. There are several lava tunnels in the reserve, too. A short bus ride takes us down to Puerto Ayora to board Yacht La Pinta.

Tuesday – Day 2 in the Galapagos – Eden Islet (Santa Cruz Island)

After breakfast, a panga ride takes us to Eden Islet, located off the coast of Santa Cruz, where we can observe blue footed boobies diving into the water, reef sharks and frigates. There’s a chance to snorkel and, if weather condition permits, ride in the glass-bottom boat.

Sombrero Chino Islet

The tiny island of Sombrero Chino gets its name from its appearance: a Chinese hat. This islet, only formed fairly recently, makes a beautiful visit as one explores the wildlife along its 400-metre long trail, which begins at a crescent- shaped white sandy beach. The cove offers excellent swimming and snorkeling opportunities with white-tipped reef sharks and Galápagos penguins.

Wednesday – Day 3 of the Cruise –  Bartolomé Island

This morning, a Galápagos icon awaits: Bartolomé Island. A great way to start the day, with a steep climb up a wooden staircase: the view from the top is worth the effort! Following the walk, we take to the dinghies for a ride around colossal Pinnacle Rock, followed by time to enjoy the beach and some snorkeling. We can also ride in the glass-bottom boat for great views of the underwater world.

Sullivan Bay (James Island)

After lunch, we board the pangas to land at Sullivan Bay on the east coast of Santiago, a white coral sand beach great for swimming and snorkeling, and with a trail over a lava field that flowed here less than 100 years ago. This is the perfect place to see and feel the volcanic origin of Galápagos while observing its wildlife.

Thursday – Day 4 in the Galapagos – Darwin Bay (Genovesa Island)

In the morning, we begin our exploration of this island with an easy stroll to observe marine and land birds. There is an optional walk over sharp lava and uneven terrain for dramatic views, or else we can return to the beach to enjoy swimming and snorkeling at this beautiful natural harbor. The more adventurous can snorkel along the cliffs or paddle sea kayaks.

Prince Philip’s Steps (Genovesa Island)

The afternoon starts with a very interesting panga ride along the cliffs before we disembark for a steep climb up some stairs. Once at the top of the stairs, the land is flat, allowing for a captivating walk of about a mile to the other side of this small island, observing large colonies of Nazca boobies, frigate birds and storm petrels and the elusive short eared owl.

Luxury 5* Country Club Hotel Lima

Nestled in Lima’s prestigious San Isidro district, surrounded by elegant embassies, The Country Club Lima Hotel is a five-star landmark boutique that epitomizes sophistication; and one of the only hotels recognized as a Peruvian national monument.

Every detail has been conceived with luxury in mind; ornate chandeliers complement lofty, wood-beam ceilings, and 300 pieces of original artwork – on loan from the Pedro de Osma Museum – adorn the walls.  Each of our 83 private luxury rooms and suites are opulent and welcoming, with many featuring exquisite marble bathrooms and deep-soaking Jacuzzis.

Enjoy world-class amenities, an award-winning restaurant, and guest privileges at the exclusive Lima Golf Club, all in a setting of warmth and intimacy.

The Country Club Lima Hotel invites you – the traveler of discerning taste – to experience the finest that Lima has to offer.

Rooms:

• Master King Room – Our 34 charming Master rooms measure 40m² or 430 ft², with king beds or two full beds.  Lofty ceilings impart a bright, airy ambiance, and a spacious work desk is available.
• Master Double Room – Non-smoking rooms are available upon request.

The Lima Gourmet Company Gastronomic Tour

Tourism in Lima Peru, once omitted from travelers’ lists while visiting the country, has been steadily attracting the attention of globe- trotters and adventure-seekers.

While there is an abundance of tours in Lima that follow the typical tourist circuits led by traditional guided monologues, we believe that a hands-on experience, savoring the food, chatting with real limeños and visiting the top restaurants, districts and historical points the locals prefer is a much more dynamic and exciting way to see the city.

We’ve designed this Lima Peru tour to be an ideal introduction to the city and Peruvian culture so that you can get a good feel of the city in just five hours.

Now you have no excuse not to fall in love with the city before heading to Machu Picchu, the Amazon or even if you’re just here for work.

This Lima Peru tour starts at a local roastery, where they hand-pick the coffee beans daily, for an organic Peruvian coffee. You will also tour the colonial streets of the bohemian district, Barranco, home to artists, musicians and the city’s top art galleries.

From here you’ll visit a traditional market in the San Isidro district to try exotic fruits and local products and learn the ancient myths and legends associated with them.

The third stop is one of the city’s top seafood restaurants (cebichería), Embarcadero 41 Fusión, on Avenida La Mar in the Miraflores district – a stop other tours in Lima won’t take you. You’ll discover the secrets to the perfect Ceviche and Pisco Sour as you prepare the dish and cocktail yourself with the head chef and bartender.

The last stop is for lunch at  la Huaca Pucllana, a restaurant within a pre-Incan archeological complex – undoubtedly a highlight of tourism in Lima Peru. This prestigious restaurant is so impressive that the King of Spain, Mick Jagger, Bill and Hillary Clinton, just to name a few, have made sure not to miss it during their trips to Lima. You’ll enjoy a variety of gourmet Peruvian dishes as well as four different desserts and another pisco-based cocktail.

Luxury 5* Marriott Hotel Cusco

Located in the city’s historical center, the JW Marriott Hotel Cusco combines the needs of today’s luxury traveler with the design elements of an architecturally stunning archaeological site.

This 5-star Cusco hotel offers easy access to Peru’s iconic attractions and towns including Machu Picchu, the Urubamba Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo and Pisac. History- seekers will find Peruvian cultural artifacts in the hotel’s two exhibition halls.

Accommodations at this luxury hotel in Cusco are equipped with the latest technology including Wi-Fi, LCD cable TVs, and oxygen systems for a fee.  Designed around a colonial convent, this hotel in Peru features resort-like amenities including a Cusco restaurant with excellent Peruvian cuisine, a bar and a full- service spa offering a relaxation pool, sauna, steam room, and treatments inspired by ancient techniques.

Inca Wall Rooms

Cusco Marriott has 153 guestrooms & 7 suites in the heart of historic Cusco. All rooms have an oxygen enrichment system to help acclimatize you to the altitude, for extra fee. Guestrooms come with customized & authentic design decoration in king or double configurations. Luxury amenities at our Cusco Hotel ensure a comfortable stay and include in-room safe & mini-bar. All are equipped with Wi-Fi high-speed Internet access.

The Pool & Spa

The spa is an exclusive environment with more than 300 square meters of space, and is the ideal place for revitalization using millenarian elements combined with different techniques.

The Spa includes:

• Relaxation pool
• Treatment rooms
• Dry sauna
• Steaming chamber

Private Afternoon Cusco City Tour

The Private Half Day Cusco City Tour Visits all of the Principal Inca & Colonial Attractions in Cusco

Tambomachay – This was an Inca sanctuary dedicated to the cult of water, a place reserved for Inca Royalty.

Puca Pucara – This is an Inca archaeological site located again on the peak of a hill and is thought to be a military position and an administrative center.

Qenko – A sanctuary dedicated to the adoration of animals, and consists of ruins formed by a rocky site with stairs in a zigzag, and a main building similar to a circular amphitheater where 19 window sills are located as a way of seats.

Sacsayhuamán – Its construction took over seven decades and required the work of 20,000 men approximately, both for the foundations and hewn stone works, the transportation of materials, carving and stones setting.

Cusco Cathedral – One of the finest Colonial Cathedrals in the Americas.

Coricancha – Originally named Inti Qancha (‘ Temple of the Sun’) was the most important temple in the Inca Empire, dedicated primarily to Inti, the Sun God.

The Vistadome Service

To and From Machu Picchu

This DELUXE train ride into the spectacular land of the Inca is highlighted by amazing views of valleys, Inca farming terraces, snowcapped mountains, and sub-tropical jungle. After arriving in Aguas Calientes, a shuttle bus will transport you to this magic, sacred, and mysterious town known as Machu- Picchu.

The Vistadome service has large panoramic windows and additional windows in the roof allowing you to enjoy the mountain scenery.

A snack and hot drink are included with the Vistadome service. There is also a table in front of you and posh leather seats which are very comfortable with plenty of leg room

The Vistadome also has air conditioning and heating, leather seats that adjust the body to provide comfort and relaxation

during the entire trip, and a traditional show as well as a fashion show to keep you entertained – as if the amazing scenery isn’t enough.

This service allows the visitor to be immersed and feel the Andean culture through its landscapes, music, dance and food carefully prepared with local ingredients.

On-board experience with the best comfort and quality service.

Luxury 5* Sumaq Hotel Machu Picchu

Includes Gourmet Buffet Dinner, Cooking Class & Cocktail Making Class. At the foot of the imposing mountains surrounding Machu Picchu, by the banks of the Vilcanota River, stands Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel. The only five-star hotel in Aguas Calientes is architecturally inspired by the enigmatic lost city of the Incas.

Privileged location: Sumaq is surrounded by the majesty and enchantment of the biodiversity of the Machu Picchu Archaeological Park and its main tourist attractions: valleys, mountains, rivers and waterfalls.

Superior Deluxe Room

• 100% Alpaca Fiber Blankets
• 100% Cotton Sheets
• Cable television
• Sound proof Windows
• International Dialing / National Direct
• Heating
• Electronic Safety Deposit Box
• Voltage 110v / 220v
• Minibar
• Bathtubs
• Hair dryer
• Black-out curtains
• Fire alarm
• Turndown service

Optional Free of Charge Sumaq Hotel Cooking Class & Cocktail Making

In the Cooking Classes & Peruvian Bar, the participants will learn how to prepare the traditional Ceviche, Sumaq style, a dish based on fresh trout and exotic chili peppers from the Peruvian cost.

Also the barman from the hotel makes a memorable presentation with the preparation of Pisco Sour or any other cocktail based on seasonal fruits and Andean herbs with our unique touch.

In this culinary activity, participants will interact with the ingredients and recipes from our culinary creations, and they will be able to try everything whilst they contemplate our majestic mountains, and they can take the recipe book home to enjoy it one more time!

Cooking Classes & Peruvian Bar last 40 minutes approximately and are available for groups between 2 and 15 people, in two schedules: 11: 00 am and 2:00 pm.  Just ask to join a group at the Hotel reception.

Guided Tour of Machu Picchu (2 – 3 Hours)

The ‘Holy Grail’ for lovers of Inca monuments, the enigmatic lost city of Machu Picchu is the most famous archaeological site in all of South America and possibly the world.

The spectacular collection of temples, terraced hills and plazas was the mountain-top citadel of the Inca under Pachacutec and Tupac Yupanqui, until the coming of the Europeans with Pizarro.

It may have the most familiar name, but Machu Picchu has refused to reveal many of its mysteries, including the secrets of its construction, function, and demise. The overgrown ruins were discovered by US historian Hiram Bingham in 1911, and the quality of the stonework hints that it was an extremely important ceremonial site.

The remains are thought to date from around 1450, built at the height of the Inca Empire, and as they escaped being plundered by the Spanish they include semi-intact icons and shrines that were defaced or removed at other sites.

Entering the site, a set of steps leads to the ruined Temple of the Sun and a series of altars and niches. Highlights include the remains of ceremonial baths, the Sacred Plaza with its tremendous view across the Urubamba River valley, a rare shrine to the sun, and a labyrinth of passageways and cells.

Private Machu Picchu Tours

Today you will enjoy further Private Guided Tours of Machu Picchu.

You may start at Dawn or as you wish. All tours are included and you are only limited by your time and energy.

The Sun Gate (2 Hours)

Inti Punku the Sun Gate marks the entrance to Machu Picchu. It is a one-hour uphill hike to the southeast of the Sanctuary, climbing more than 300 meters. The hike is on the original Inca trail and is paved with Inca stones.

Apu Machu Picchu (4 to 5 Hours Roundtrip)

The hike to the summit of Apu Machu Picchu is 2 ½ hours and can be quite steep in places.

This trail, accessed from Machu Picchu, joins parts of the Inca trail leading to the Sun Gate before climbing to the mountain’s highest point. From there, enjoy the view of soaring eagles as well as Machu Picchu and other significant ruins in the area, such as Putukusi, Huayna Picchu, Salkantay mountain and the Vilcanota River view.

This is a breathtaking hike, lot of orchids along the way, birds in the bushy areas, and with every stop the view is gets better and better.  The climb is 600 meters uphill, so a reasonable level of fitness is required.

*** Access to Apu Machu Picchu is controlled by special tickets which need to be purchased in advance by us. Access is 07:00 – 11:00.  Please ask to have these tickets included in your tour if  desired***

Inka Bridge (Bridge 1 Hour Round Trip)

This hike is to the south west of Machu Picchu, a nice original trail that overlooks the Aobamba valley and the Hydro-electric plant.

This Inca Bridge is a part of a mountain trail that heads west from Machu Picchu. The trail is a stone path, part of which is cut into a cliff face.  A twenty-foot gap was left in this section of the carved cliff face, over a 1,900 feet drop that could be bridged with two tree trunks. When the tree trunks were removed then the trail became impassable to outsiders. The path is narrow and paved with original Inca stones.

The steep trail continues on and climbs the side of the mountain, leading adventurous travelers to a remote corner of this archaeological site. In addition to a magnificent bird’s-eye view of Machu Picchu, the summit also offers a perfect vantage point to the canyon of the Vilcanota River, the mountain of Putukusi and the distant snow-capped Andean peaks.

Huayna Picchu (3 – 4 Hours)

Huayna Picchu is the mountain you see behind Machu Picchu.  Towering above the north end of Machu Picchu this steep mountain is often seen in the backdrop to the classic photos of the ruins.

The mountain is steep, but stone steps are laid along most of the way and where the mountain is steeper you will find steel cables used as handrails. For fit people it is not a difficult climb.

Very Limited Access!

Only 400 people are allowed to hike Huayna Picchu each day. You have to sign in at the entrance gate. The first 200 tickets are available for the 8:00am hike. The second 200 are available at 10:00am.

***You should buy these special tickets in advance with us to be sure you will have space for this hike***

The Huayna Picchu Hike

You’ll find breath-taking views while hiking up and there are some ruins near the top which many like to visit.

The most important thing about Huayna Picchu is the bird’s eye view of the whole of Machu Picchu from the top.

More on the level of difficulty:

You will be glad to see that the path is almost two meters wide, but at the beginning only, later it becomes narrower, and one side there is a steep fall.

There are some accidents and even deaths every year so be aware this can be a quite dangerous hike.

After a while you will find the path becomes really narrow – only a couple of feet wide and here the slope is really steep. Throughout the rocks are uneven and sometimes slippery but you will find hand rails along those areas.